Natasha Gardner

Senior Editor

Natasha Gardner writes and edits long-form journalism and multimedia projects for 5280 and is a regular columnist for 5280.com. She was named a finalist for a 2012 National Magazine Award in the public interest category for “Direct Fail,” an expose of Colorado’s “direct file” policy of sending juveniles to adult prison. Since that story was published, the state has dramatically changed the direct file law. Her investigation of the Colorado foster care system (“Unwanted”) received multiple awards, including a prestigious Sigma Delta Chi Award from the Society of Professional Journalists. In 2010, she was also a National Magazine Awards finalist for “Low on O2,” a service package that explores the impact of altitude on day-to-day life in Colorado (co-written with Lindsey B. Koehler). She also won The Knight-Risser Prize for Western Environmental Journalism for “Dry Times," an investigation of Colorado's water crisis that she co-wrote with Patrick Doyle. Gardner has appeared on Colorado Public Television to discuss her work and current affairs. She was a Dart Center for Journalism and Trauma Ochberg Fellow in 2011. Before settling in Colorado, she worked in book publishing in New York. She has a BA from Smith College and holds a master’s degree in journalism from the University of Colorado. She lives in Denver with her husband and son.

What you need to know about…
…the game: The July 29 AT&T MLS All-Star match pairs MLS’s best against a Premier League team. (Side note: The league used to field two squads with MLS stars for the All-Star Game, but switched to the current format of playing an international team in 2003, a...

If beans remind you of too many overcooked casseroles, this season’s bounty will inspire you to rethink (and freshen up) this dinner staple. Visit 5280.com/freshpicks2015 every week for tips on which ingredient you should be growing, buying, cooking, and tasting—all season long...

We hope you’re hungry!
This summer, we’re highlighting a must-eat-right-now ingredient every week. Now that the fields have had a chance to recover a bit from the spring rains, produce is pouring into the markets, which means that beets are back to sweeten our summer meals. Visit 5280.com/...

1. Park the car, don a costume, and pedal away on a Denver Cruiser Ride.
Why You Should Go: Each year, our Top of the Town issue picks out the best-of-the-best in Denver. This year, the Denver Cruiser Ride, a group ride with quirky themes (July 29 is “Analog vs. Digital”), won Editors’ Choice...

We hope you’re hungry!
This summer, we’re highlighting a must-eat-right-now ingredient every week. While the spring rains delayed several crops, local chard—this week’s featured veggie—is starting to make an appearance at the markets.
Visit 5280.com/freshpicks2015 every week for...

We hope you’re hungry!
This summer, we’re highlighting a must-eat-right-now ingredient every week. For our third week, we tackle peas. Visit 5280.com/freshpicks2015 every week for tips on which ingredient you should be growing, buying, cooking, and tasting—all season long.
Peas |...

On Friday afternoon, the Denver District Attorney’s Office released a long-awaited report of the police officer-involved shooting of 17-year-old Jessica “Jessie” Hernandez. The teenager was killed when two officers fired on the vehicle she was driving on the morning of January 26, 2015 in northeast...

1. Ride: 5280’s Historic Bike Tour of Denver
Why you should go: You like to bike. You like history. You love Denver. Combine the three in our two-wheeled tour of the city (it's great for newcomers, too).
Details: Your choice, Denver
2. Build: Sand in the City
Why you should go:...